A pediatric migraine is a severe headache experienced by a child. Around five percent of children develop pediatric migraines and these painful headaches can interfere with a child's quality of life and activity level. Treatment can be provided by a neurologist who can evaluate a child to learn more about the origins of the headaches and offer treatment options for the management and prevention of migraines.
The duration of a pediatric migraine is usually shorter than an adult migraine. As with adults, children may experience an aura, a series of tell-tale signs such as visual disturbances, before the onset of the headache. During the headache, the child usually turns pale and may sweat, feel nauseous, and vomit. Children with headaches tend to avoid light and noise and usually report that their heads feel extremely painful.
Sleep often resolves a pediatric migraine. If a child can lie down in a dark room and rest at the onset of the headache, she may wake up feeling refreshed. Analgesia can also be provided during a migraine attack to keep a patient more comfortable. In children with recurring migraines, medications may be considered to block future attacks. There are a number of medication options that can be used to treat pediatric migraine including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.
Also like adults, many children do not receive treatment for their headaches. People may believe that the head pain is a one-time event due to stress, not eating enough on a given day, or other environmental factors. Parents may also be under the impression that nothing can be done to treat recurring headaches, and thus there is no point in going to the doctor. The cost of an evaluation for pediatric migraine may also be a barrier for some patients, as medical imaging studies and other expensive tests may be needed. In some communities, programs to help with costs for health care for children are available.
Getting a neurological evaluation for migraine, in adults or children, is very important. The headaches may be a sign of an underlying problem such as brain damage or a brain tumor that needs to be treated. If the migraines have no explanation, treatment can still be provided to help manage them and make people feel more comfortable. For children, pediatric migraine can interfere with school, making it difficult to learn, socialize, play sports, and engage in other activities, and seeking treatment is strongly encouraged.
